Future Students

Why Columbus State Community College?

The Paralegal Studies program at CSCC offers an Associates degree and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, as well as an Associates Degree.  The CSCC Paralegal Studies program is ABA-approved and costs a fraction of other ABA-approved programs in Columbus, OH.  Additionally, CSCC recognizes the diversity and other responsibilities of students enrolled in the program.  To wit, CSCC schedules classes during the days and evenings and limits prerequisites so that you can control when and how quickly you are able to finish your Paralegal studies.

The Paralegal Studies faculty is comprised of some of the most recognized Judges, Attorneys, and Paralegals in the Columbus area.  With such a vast knowledge base and a faculty that has hundreds of years of combined experience, Paralegal students at CSCC learn not only the theory of life as a Paralegal, but also the "real-world" life as a Paralegal.

NEW:  Tiffin University has recently announced a Fast Track Degree Completion Program for students enrolled in the CSCC Paralegal Studies program.  The Fast Track program allows a student to earn a B.S. - Criminal Science, to complement their Associates Degree - Paralegal Studies, in less than two years.  For more information, click here.

What is a Paralegal?

As defined by the American Bar Association, "A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."

Roles and Responsibilities of a Paralegal

A paralegal (also called a legal assistant) performs many of the same tasks as a lawyer, except for the actual practice of law (setting fees, giving legal advice, and presenting cases in court). The duties of a paralegal vary with his or her experience. A paralegal choose to have a solid knowledge of all aspects of law or to specialize in a certain area. With the continual changing of laws and procedures, the parlegal’s work is both interesting and challenging. The following is just a sampling of the responsibilities assigned to a paralegal:

• Assist with preparing work in closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.

• Conduct legal research and prepare a written report of research findings.

• Investigate and confirm facts of a case.

•  Prepare legal arguments, draft pleadings, draft motions, and obtain affidavits.

•  Assist attorneys during trials.

• Organize and track case files.

• Draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, and trust documents.

• Prepare tax returns and plan estates.

• Manage activities of other employees of the law office.

• Maintain financial records for the law office

Employment Outlook for a Paralegal

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the Department of Labor, states that growth in the Paralegal field is projected to be faster than average through the year 2012.  Click here to read the entire report.

Characteristics of a Successful Paralegal

The nature of the Paralegal position in the legal community requires individuals with a well rounded educational background.  Critical thinking, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and advanced organization skills are essential competencies of a Paralegal. 

CSCC Paralegal Program Overview

Courses that promote critical thinking and communication skills, such as English, Humanities, Social Science and Basic Science are included in the CSCC Paralegal curriculum.

The technical curriculum has been designed to provide students with knowledge and skills required to be a highly-qualified Paralegal.  The CSCC Paralegal curriculum offers courses in areas of: the role of a paralegal, ethical considerations, legal research (including Westlaw® and Lexis®), legal writing, the preparation of legal documents such as motions and complaints, litigation practice and procedure, real estate transactions, family law, administrative law, criminal law, and probate law and practice.

CSCC offers both an Associates Degree and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for those who have their Bachelor's Degree.

I have more questions.  Where can I find more answers?

Try the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), search the web site or, click  here to request additional information.